Writting, Author at Vintage Avenue News

September 6, 2024November 9, 2024

Michael Jordan’s Sneakers Fetch $8 Million at Auction

Six iconic Nike Air Jordans, each worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan during his championship-winning games, set a new record when they sold for $8 million at Sotheby’s on February 2, 2024. This unprecedented sale marked the highest price ever paid for game-worn sneakers at an auction, underscoring Jordan’s enduring legacy as the “GOAT.” Dubbed

September 4, 2024November 9, 2024

Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords: A Collector’s Guide

This volume serves as an essential guide for both budding enthusiasts and seasoned collectors of traditionally forged Japanese swords, covering a wide range of blades, from long swords to daggers. Nobuo Nakahara, an expert researcher and lecturer on Japanese swords, takes a critical and insightful approach to understanding these revered weapons, challenging longstanding beliefs and

September 3, 2024November 9, 2024

Rare Q1 Desktop Computers Discovered: A Computing Milestone

In a remarkable find, two of the world’s first desktop computers—nearly 50 years old—have surfaced during a routine house clearance in London, revealing a rare piece of early computing history. The Q1 desktops, originally released in 1972, were unearthed by the waste removal company Just Clear, tucked away under boxes. While initially unaware of their

August 31, 2024November 9, 2024

Vintage Electronics & Guitar Show – Sign Up by January 31st

Calling all vendors and collectors of vintage electronics, guitars, luthiers’ tools, and antique radios! This is the event where you can sell, trade, and find rare treasures. Last year’s event sold out with over 100 tables in the Vintage Voltage area alone, and this year promises to be just as popular. Colorado Guitar Show and

August 30, 2024November 9, 2024

Messi’s World Cup Shirt Sells for $7.82 Million

Lionel Messi’s shirt from the 2022 FIFA World Cup final recently sold for an impressive $7.82 million, although it falls short of the top price in sports memorabilia history, with several items from baseball and basketball fetching significantly higher amounts. Interestingly, Messi’s World Cup jerseys, while iconic, sold for less than a single jersey worn

August 28, 2024November 9, 2024

Upcoming Law Changes Target Samurai Swords and Flip Knives

Collectors and historians of weapons are being cautioned about upcoming changes to the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which will soon make it illegal to own items like samurai swords with blades over 50cm and flip knives, even in private homes. This new legislation, expected to take effect later this year, aims to limit the accessibility

August 27, 2024November 9, 2024

Exploring the Book 8088: A Modern Retro PC Experience

The Book 8088 is a unique retro-inspired computer, built to emulate the original IBM PC experience in a compact, $200 system. Although it’s a recent release, everything from its 1984 NEC V20 processor to its 640KB of RAM is designed to mirror the specs of the IBM PC 5150 from 1981. Running at a modest

August 24, 2024November 9, 2024

Explore the Antique Radio Museum: A Tribute to Vintage Radios

Once the epicenter of family entertainment, radio was where people turned for news, drama, sports, and more—much like television today. Though overshadowed by TV’s rise, radio found a specialized niche and maintained a dedicated audience. Jonathan Winter, a 56-year-old radio enthusiast, celebrates this era through his passion project: the Antique Radio Museum in Bellingham, Washington.

August 23, 2024November 9, 2024

Sports Memorabilia Market Projected to Reach $227.2 Billion by 2032

The sports memorabilia market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a valuation of $26.1 billion in 2021 that’s expected to soar to $227.2 billion by 2032, driven by a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.8%. This surge is fueled by heightened interest in both traditional collectibles and the rising popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFTs),

August 21, 2024November 9, 2024

The Art of Collecting Japanese Samurai Swords: A Guide

Japanese samurai swords, or “katana,” are celebrated for their artistry, sharpness, and profound cultural significance. These authentic blades, known as “nihonto,” embody centuries-old craftsmanship and unique features that have defined Japan’s history. Here’s a look at five core elements that every collector or enthusiast should know: 1. The Blade: The Heart of the Katana A

August 20, 2024November 9, 2024

Upgrading the Vintage Macintosh Quadra 700: A Refurbishing Guide

Refurbishing vintage Macintosh computers, like the Quadra 700, offers both nostalgia and functionality for those who enjoy the classic Mac experience. The process includes basic cleaning, expanding memory, and upgrading VRAM for better performance. By adding four 16MB SIMMs, the Quadra’s RAM reached 68MB, plenty for most applications from the 68k era, enabling even a

August 17, 2024November 9, 2024

Repurposing Antique Tube Radios: A Vintage Audio Revival

Antique tube radios are prized by audio enthusiasts not only for their nostalgic charm but also for the unique, warm sound they provide. These vintage radios can be transformed into tube amplifiers for modern audio sources, blending historical aesthetics with current audio technology. Repurposing antique radios this way preserves their legacy while allowing them to

August 16, 2024November 9, 2024

The Rise of Sports Memorabilia as an Investment

In an era before the term “sports memorabilia” had entered common usage, collecting autographs, matchday programs, or football cards was a modest yet cherished hobby. Fans, often children, would wait by the stadium, autograph books in hand, hoping for a player’s signature. Fast-forward to today, and the sports memorabilia market is a multi-billion-dollar industry where

August 14, 2024November 9, 2024

The Art and Value of Japanese Swords: A Collector’s Guide

For centuries, Japanese swords have held a special place in Japanese culture as treasured works of art that combine aesthetic beauty with practical purpose. Known for their unique design, samurai swords, especially the katana, have long captivated Western collectors, admired for their elegant form and precision craftsmanship, often seen as an early form of abstract

August 13, 2024November 9, 2024

Rare Apple-1 Computer Sells for $400,000 at Auction

A rare Apple-1 computer, one of only 200 ever made, recently sold for $400,000 at an auction by John Moran Auctioneers. Designed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and assembled by Steve Jobs in his home, this early Apple device is one of six known units encased in rare Koa wood, adding to its unique appeal.

August 10, 2024November 9, 2024

Celebrate World Radio Day with Antique Radio Display

If you’re curious about vintage radio sets and the history they represent, head to Bharathi Park near Avinashilingam University on Wednesday. To celebrate World Radio Day on February 13, M.A. Abudahir will be displaying over 160 antique radios from his extensive collection, showcasing a rich slice of audio history. Abudahir, 42, works at a car

August 9, 2024November 9, 2024

Mickey Mantle Baseball Card Sells for Record $12.6 Million

A mint-condition Mickey Mantle baseball card recently sold at auction for an astonishing $12.6 million, setting a new record for the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia. This iconic Mantle card surpassed the previous record of $9.3 million for Diego Maradona’s jersey from the 1986 “Hand of God” World Cup match, as well as the

August 7, 2024November 9, 2024

Essential Tips for Sword Maintenance and Care

Sword collecting is a rewarding hobby that requires more than just acquiring and displaying pieces; it’s about preserving their condition and appreciating their craftsmanship. Each sword may hold personal significance, and with some basic maintenance, you can ensure it stays in top shape for years to come. Regular upkeep is key to preserving the sword’s

August 6, 2024November 9, 2024

Rare Apple-1 Computer Sells for $400,000 at Auction

An original Apple-1 computer, hand-built by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak 45 years ago, sold for $400,000 at auction on Tuesday in California. This rare piece of tech history, known as the “Chaffey College” Apple-1, is one of only 200 units crafted at the start of Apple’s journey from a garage-based venture to today’s $2

August 3, 2024November 9, 2024

MediaBay and OverDrive Partner to Distribute Classic Radio Programs

MediaBay, Inc., a leading digital media and publishing company specializing in spoken word and premium audio entertainment, has entered into a distribution agreement with OverDrive, a prominent provider of digital audio books and eBooks for libraries. Announced on May 25, 2005, this partnership will make MediaBay’s vast 50,000-hour collection of classic radio programs available to